Epilogue

One year later

Colton

The sun sets purple and orange over the hills as I drive the old pickup down the dusty road, one arm resting out the window. The wind whips through my hair and a rare smile plays at my lips. The bank came through with the loan to keep the ranch going. We ain't rich by any means, but we'll survive. And I aim to celebrate.

I glance over at Sam in the passenger seat, her auburn hair glowing like fire in the fading light. She's gazing out at the landscape, lost in thought but looking more at peace than I've seen her. My heart swells. This woman's stood by me through the worst of times. The least I can do is treat her to a nice evening out, even if it's just burgers and shakes in town.

"Almost there, darlin'," I say, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Figured we both could use a little break from ranch cooking."

She turns to me and smiles, her green eyes sparkling. "You're spoiling me, Colton Westbrook. What's the special occasion?"

"Just feeling mighty grateful is all. For the ranch. For you." I pull her hand to my lips, pressing a Kiss to her knuckles. "Couldn't have made it through without you, Sam. I hope you know that."

Color rises in her cheeks as she ducks her head. "I haven't done much. You're the one who's worked so hard to keep everything going."

"We're a team, honey. Don't you forget it." I turn into the gravel lot of the diner, switching off the engine. "What do you say we leave the ranch behind for a bit and just enjoy ourselves? Like a real date."

Her smile widens. "I'd like that very much."

I hop out and come around to open her door, offering my hand to help her down. She takes it and slides out gracefully. I don't let go as we head inside, enjoying the connection.

Over burgers and fries, we talk and laugh more than we have in ages. The jukebox plays old country tunes and the neon signs paint her skin in a rosy glow. Looking at her, all I can think is how lucky I am. How much I want her by my side, always.

An idea starts forming. Something I shoulda done long ago. When the last fry is gone, I pay the check and lead her back outside into the cool evening air.

"Let's take a little walk," I suggest, nodding toward the park across the street. Twinkling lights are strung through the trees there, making it look downright magical.

She agrees readily, leaning into my side as we meander down the paved path. I'm keenly aware of her soft curves pressed close and take deep breaths of her rose-scented hair.

"Sure is a pretty night," she remarks. "I'm glad you brought me here. It's nice to get away for a bit."

"Well, it ain't over yet." I steer her to a bench beneath a willow tree and gently ease her down to sit. "There's something I need to ask you, Sam."

Her brow furrows in confusion as I crouch down in front of her. "Colton? What are you doing?"

"Something I should've done properly the first time." Her eyes go wide.

"Sam, I ain't a man of many words. But I do know my life wouldn't be worth much without you in it. You're my partner, my helpmate, and my best friend. Marrying you was the smartest thing I've ever done. But I want you to know, it's more than just an arrangement to me now.

"I love you, darlin'. With everything I got. And I'm asking if you'll be my wife. For real this time. Because you want to. Not because you need to."

Now, I know I ain’t got a ring, but I’ll let you pick out whatever one you want from the jeweler up the street.”

Tears glisten in her eyes as she presses a hand to her mouth. "Oh, Colton..."

"Is that a yes?" I prompt hopefully.

"Yes!" She launches herself into my arms, nearly knocking me back on my rear. "Yes, of course I'll marry you. I love you too!"

Joy like I’ve never known floods through me. I crush her to my chest, burying my face in her neck. "I'm gonna do everything I can to make you happy, sweetheart. I swear it."

"You already do," she whispers. "You already do."

We hold each other there under the lights, breathing each other in, and then I take her straight to the jewelry store. She picks out a ring. Nothing too flashy—just something simple and elegant.

Like her.

When I pull back to slip the ring onto her finger, I swear my hands are shaking. But it slides on true.

A perfect fit. Just like her in my life.

"What do you say we make this official?" I ask. "Not a big affair, but maybe your friend from town could come along with my brother as witnesses."

I was happy when Sam struck up a friendship with the girl who works at the diner. She needed some female companionship.

She winds her arms around my neck and nods happily. "I think that sounds wonderful. You, me, a simple ceremony. It's all I need."

"Me too, darlin'. Me too."

The very next day, I stand across from her in the town's little whitewashed chapel as her friend Ellen and my brother Pete take their seats. Sam's a vision in an ivory sundress, daisies woven into her fiery waves.

My hands swallow hers as the preacher leads us in our vows. But I’m not nervous anymore. Just deep-in-the-bones certain that this is right. That she's mine and I'm hers.

The words "husband and wife" are music to my ears. She smiles up at me with tears on her lashes. I don't wait for an invitation to kiss my bride.

I may not have much. But I have her. And that's everything I need.

***

After a few congratulatory hugs, we bid our guests goodbye and head back to the ranch. A life of hot, sweaty chores threatens to loom over us, but with Sam by my side, I know we can handle it.

"You up for some celebrating?" I ask, waggling my eyebrows as I grab two cold beers from the pantry.

"Celebrating, huh?" she says with a playful lilt in her voice. "What did you have in mind, cowboy?"

"Oh, I've got a few ideas."

I lead her to the front porch, our boots thudding in unison on the creaky steps. It's dusk now, the sky a watercolor masterpiece of pinks, purples, and oranges. Crickets chirp their congratulations, and an owl hooting in the distance adds to the ambiance.

I clear my throat, suddenly tongue-tied. Sam's beauty in the soft, golden light takes my breath away.

"Colton?" she prompts, brows knit together in confusion.

I squeeze her hand, willing myself to find the right words. "Samantha Westbrook...I...love you. More than I ever thought possible. Fuck, honey, you get more beautiful to me every day. Keep going this way and you’re going to kill me.”

My cock is already hard, and I grab her hand and place it on it. “See what you do to me, wife?”

She grins, a smile of satisfaction on her face. “Well, what are you going to do about it, cowboy?”

I growl as I pull her into my arms.

“I’m going to fuck a baby into your belly like a man’s supposed to do, that’s what.”

I capture her startled gasp with my mouth, my cock already leaking at the thought of filling her up with my seed and impregnating her.

Breeding her.

Sam melts against me, her soft curves molding to my hard planes. I back her up against the porch railing, my hands roaming greedily over her body. She mewls into my mouth as I palm her full breasts through the thin sundress fabric.

"Colton," she pants as I trail open-mouthed kisses down the elegant column of her throat. "I need you."

A possessive thrill shoots through me at her words. I sweep her up into my arms and carry her over the threshold, just like a proper husband should. She clings to my neck, nuzzling under my jaw and sending sparks skittering across my skin.

In our bedroom, I set her on her feet only to slowly peel the dress from her body. It pools at her ankles and she steps out of it, clad only in white lace. My mouth goes dry at the sight.

"God almighty, you're a vision," I rasp, drinking in the dips and swells of her figure, the creamy expanses of skin, the dark auburn curls at the apex of her thighs.

"I'm all yours," she whispers, green eyes dark with desire. "Now and always."

I strip off my own clothes in record time, desperate to feel her skin on mine. When I gather her in my arms again, the slide of her silken flesh against my rougher body is pure bliss. I walk us to the bed and lay her down gently, following to cover her body with my own.

"I love you, Samantha," I murmur against her lips. "I'm going to show you just how much."

I worship every inch of her with hands and mouth, cataloging each breathy sigh and wanton moan. She arches beneath me, flushed and panting, as I suckle at her pert nipples until they're glistening peaks.

"Please, Colton," she begs, writhing restlessly. "I need you."

"I've got you, darlin'." I settle between her parted thighs, the head of my cock nudging insistently at her entrance. "Gonna fill this sweet pussy up until you're dripping with my seed. Gonna make you swell with my child."

She cries out, blunt nails digging into my shoulders as I surge forward, sheathing myself to the hilt in her tight, wet heat. We both groan at the exquisite sensation. I start to move, rolling my hips in a primal rhythm, making sure to hit that spot I know she loves.

She meets me thrust for thrust, undulating beneath me and gasping my name like a prayer. Our bodies move in perfect synchronization, skin slick with sweat, the air heavy with the scent of sex.

"That's it, honey," I growl, angling my hips to hit that secret spot inside her that makes her keen. "Milk my cock. Take every last drop. Wanna fill this belly up with my baby."

A filthy groan rips from my throat at the thought. Sam's pussy clenches around me, her back bowing off the bed. "Yes, Colton! Give me your baby. I want it so bad!"

Her words nearly undo me. A few more frenzied thrusts and I'm emptying myself deep inside her, jet after jet of my hot seed flooding her womb. "Fuck, Samantha. Breeding this sweet cunt. Gonna look so good all round with my child."

She sobs my name as her own release crashes over her, her silken walls milking me for everything I've got. Wave after wave of pleasure rocks through us both as we cling to each other, lost in the throes of passion.

When the tremors finally subside, I gather her close, tucking her head under my chin. Our racing hearts gradually slow, breaths evening out. I press a tender kiss to her damp forehead.

"I love you, Sam. More than anything."

"I love you too, Colton. So much." Her voice is soft with drowsy contentment.

We lay there in the moonlight filtering through the curtains, her tracing idle patterns on my sweat-cooled chest while I run my fingers through her tangled hair. The future stretches out before us, full of promise. Hard work and struggle, no doubt. But also love and partnership. Building a family together on this land that's in my blood.

With Sam in my arms and the ranch pulling through, I feel a deep sense of peace settle in my bones. A rightness. Come what may, we'll weather it. Together.

I place my palm reverently over her belly, wondering if my seed has already taken root. The thought fills me with a fierce joy and protectiveness.

"Sweet dreams, honey," I whisper as her eyes flutter closed and her breathing deepens. "Tomorrow's a new day."

As I let sleep claim me, I thank the stars above for bringing this woman into my life and into my heart.

My perfect bride.